Obedience to God When You Don't Feel Like It

You may feel empty, exhausted, and unqualified, but God has never been limited by your strength. Sometimes the greatest thing you can do is simply show up and say, "Yes, Lord."

John 15:10-14

[10] When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. [11] I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! [12] This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. [13] There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Church this last Sunday got my mind pondering some things that often fly under the radar. Making a decision to do something or not do something is heavily influenced by our comfort level and how we are feeling at that moment. Waking up with a headache or simply not feeling well can completely change the way we view opportunities.

Sunday, I woke up not feeling well. On top of that, the enemy was reminding me of my current situation, and depression started weighing in as well. I did not want to go to church. I wanted to stay home and fall back asleep or just lay there like a lump. My heart was telling me that church was exactly what I needed, but my head was telling it to be quiet.

Here's the painful truth: we often limit our obedience to God based on our current comfort level. If we are not feeling well, are depressed, or something is bothering us, we think we can call in sick or take a personal day from what God may be asking us to do. Yet those moments may be exactly the right time to reach out and talk to someone, go to the meeting, or pray over a brother or sister in Christ. I often find the greatest pull to go and not cancel when I don't feel well.

One night I had a meeting with some brothers at a friend's house. I had a cold. Naturally, I figured I needed to stay home so I wouldn't get them sick. For some divine reason I didn't understand, I felt a strong pull to go anyway. So I went.

Even though I didn't feel well the entire time, the Holy Spirit was with me. I had words of knowledge for everyone there, and for one of them the Holy Spirit simply flowed through me and blessed him. The Lord used me with my runny nose, my plugged-up voice, and my lack of energy. All of this was accomplished because I simply followed His leading.

I did the easy part. I just showed up and had coffee and donuts.

All the Lord wanted was my "Yes, Lord, Your servant is listening."

This is not the same across the board, but what I feel the Lord is saying is this: be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in all situations. Do not limit Him because your comfort zone has been breached. Obedience to God is not always convenient, but His love often flows through our willingness to say yes when our flesh wants to say no.

The Lord's love flows through obedience and a joyful heart.

Comfort should never be our goal. Through obedience to God and a willingness to sacrifice our comfort zone, the Lord provides peace and strength. This deeper level of comfort is unlike anything we could ever achieve on our own.

"Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."

Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen.

Psalms 119:57-60

[57] Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! [58] With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. [59] I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. [60] I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.

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